Low Vision

Low vision is significant vision impairment that usually results from serious eye disease or an injury. The vision loss, which is characterized by either reduced visual acuity (to 20/70 or worse) or reduced field of view, can’t be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery.

Low vision can affect both children and adults, but is more common in the elderly, who are at greater risk of eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts, which are some of the most common causes of the condition.

Patients with low vision may have complete central or peripheral vision loss, blurry vision, poor low-light vision, loss of light sensitivity and/or loss of contrast, making daily activities such as writing, watching TV, driving or reading difficult or impossible. Since the vision loss can’t be corrected, low vision requires significant adjustments to daily life and the help of techniques and specialized low vision aids to help you maximize your remaining vision to increase independence and quality of life.

What are causes of low vision?

How does low vision affect eyesight?

Low vision is partial vision loss which varies from person to person. Depending on the severity and type of vision impairment, the patient may have some useful vision. Typically the impairment includes a significant reduction in visual acuity to worse than 20/70, hazy, blurred vision, blind spots or significant visual field loss and tunnel vision. Sometimes the extent of vision loss is considered to be legal blindness (20/200 or less visual acuity in the better eye) or almost total blindness.

How does low vision affect daily life?

With significant vision loss it can become challenging to complete common daily tasks including reading, writing, cooking and housework, watching television, driving or even recognizing people.

When low vision is diagnosed it can come as a shock. Initially, it is an adjustment to learn how to function with impaired vision but the good news is there are numerous resources and products available to assist. Because low vision often results in one’s inability to work, function independently, drive and resume normal life, many patients feel isolated and depressed.

Visual Rehabilitation and Visual Aids

Low vision means that a minimal amount of sight remains intact. There are millions of people who suffer from the condition and manage to function with the remaining vision available to them through the use of visual rehabilitation or visual aids.

What are visual aids?

These are devices that help people with low vision function by maximizing remaining eyesight. This often involves the use of magnifiers (handheld, mounted or stand-alone), telescopes and other tools to enlarge the images of objects to make them more visible. Some visual aids reduce glare and enhance contrast which makes it easier to see. Other low vision aids act as guides to help the person focus on non-visual cues, such as sound or feel. Finding the right visual aid is a matter of consulting with a professional and experimenting with what works for you and your daily needs.

How to make life with low vision easier

Ensure that you have adequate lighting in your home. This may require some trial and error with different lights and voltages to determine what works best for you.

Use a magnifier. There is a vast selection of magnifiers available, ranging from hand-held to stand magnifiers. Binoculars and spectacle mounted magnifiers are also an option.

Use large print books for reading. Alternatively, try digital recordings or mp3s.

Make use of high contrast for writing. Try writing in large letters with a broad black pen on a white piece of paper or board.

Adding a high-contrast stripe on steps (bright color on dark staircase, or black stripe on light stairs) can prevent falls in people with low vision, and may enable them to remain independent in their home.

Find out what other technology is available to help make your life simpler.

If you or a loved one has low vision, don’t despair. Be sure to consult with your eye doctor about the best course of action to take to simplify life with low vision.

If you suffer from astigmatism, Dr. Jacobs can help. We provide eyeglasses and contact lenses for astigmatic patients in our Blacksburg VA eye care clinic!

Testimonials

Walked in to have my glasses fixed ( keep in mind these were not purchased there) and the two ladies at the desk were freindly, funny, and fixed my glasses up good as new despite them being quite messed up. Awesome place

2 days ago

5

- jacob j.

eye doctor's office

Dr. Jacobs treated me for vision headaches related to a concussion. He is exceptionally knowledgeable and even emailed me further research studies and information to help me heal. I drive 1.5 hours each way to see him and I do not mind at all because he has exceptional knowledge related to vision that most typical optometrists do not have. He has my highest recommendation!

3 weeks ago

5

- Bunnie C.

eye doctor's office

Dr Jacobs is one of the nicest people I have ever met. I was in need of an urgent eye examination due to possible time sensitive health issues and he squeezed me in that day during his lunch break as he was booked out for days. Highly recommend him for any optometrist needs!

1 month ago

5

- Grant S.

eye doctor's office

Dr. Jacobs is great and very knowledgeable. My entire family and I went to his office. The staff are also very nice and friendly. Things I miss being away from Blacksburg!

2 months ago

5

- S K.

eye doctor's office

My appointment was fantastic. Kelly was sooo patient with my daughter for her first contact experience. I wish they had done my contact intro a few years ago.

4 months ago

5

- Nathan B.

eye doctor's office

Great facility and people! Dr Diaz and dr. Jacobs are both top notch!
Supporting staff is amazing. We miss some of the staff we got to see early part of the year 2018

6 months ago

5

- S W.

eye doctor's office

I have had many an eye appointment and through the years several pairs of glasses. However, on this visit I decided to get contacts as I was struggling when playing sport.
Firstly the online booking system was fast and efficient. I was able to schedule an appointment within minutes. The appointment was scheduled and I was sent reminders and an electric calendar event which is great.
Secondly, Dr.Diaz is great at his job, he makes you feel comfortable. He relatable and professional yet still personable. He got my prescription correct and recognized I had issues due to my profession. He also was not trying to rush me out of his office.
Next the support staff especially Darlene and Kelly were so helpful. Darlene was assigned the task of helping me insert my contact lenses. I must admit I really struggled and she did her best to comfort me in the 30 minutes I struggled cussed, too my embarrassment. She never once got frustrated and proceeded to inform me of all the things I needed to do, to ensure my eye care.
I will continue my business with this office and would happily recommend family, friend and co-workers.
Thank you all!